Psychedelic experiences have long fascinated individuals and researchers alike with their ability to induce enhanced sensory perception, emotional openness, and profound shifts in consciousness. But what is happening in our brains during these remarkable altered states of consciousness? Recent scientific insights have begun to unravel the mysterious interplay between psychoactive substances, brain activity, and the profound experiences users often describe.
Psychedelics are a class of psychoactive substances known for eliciting profound changes in perception, mood, and cognitive processes. These substances, which include LSD, psilocybin (magic mushrooms), and DMT, all share a common feature: they interact with our brain’s serotonin receptors.
Serotonin, sometimes referred to as the “feel good” neurotransmitter, plays a crucial role in modulating mood, cognition, learning, and memory (Schmidt et al., 2018). Specifically, many psychoactive substances are known to target a particular subtype of this receptor known as the 5-HT2A, inducing a surge in brain activity.
But how does this surge in activity translate into the profound experiences users often report? Recent neuroimaging studies provide some fascinating clues. Imaging the brain under the influence of psychedelics, researchers have documented an increase in global brain activity, leading to a vastly interconnected brain network (Tagliazucchi et al., 2014). This increased connectivity may account for the characteristic “ego dissolution” and intense emotional and sensory experiences of psychedelic trips.
Contrary to earlier beliefs that activity within a few specific brain areas explains these phenomena, recent findings suggest that psychedelics disrupt the norm of brain operation across multiple regions. This disruption is thought to lead to the unshackling of brain networks, enabling various networks to communicate that typically do not (Petanjek et al., 2012).
While these findings illuminate some of the immediate neural effects of these substances, the long-term impact and therapeutic potential of such experiences are also of particular interest. Studies have shown that psychedelic experiences can lead to long-lasting changes in personality traits, specifically those related to openness and creativity (MacLean et al., 2011).
Microdosing, the practice of consuming psychedelics in significantly smaller doses, has gained interest for its potential to effect subtle mood and cognitive improvements, a notion supported by anecdotal reports and a growing body of scientific investigation (Prochazkova et al., 2018).
Research into psychedelics as a treatment for mental health disorders like depression and post-traumatic stress disorder is ongoing and has yielded promising results. Impressive reductions in depressive symptoms following psilocybin-assisted therapy have sparked renewed interest in the therapeutic potential of these unique substances (Davis et al., 2020).
Understanding the science behind psychedelic experiences not only provides valuable insights into the functioning of the human mind but also holds potential for advancing therapeutic strategies. It’s a field rich with unanswered questions and untapped possibilities- a truly mind-expanding area of research.
While the study of psychedelics and their effects on the human brain is in its infancy, the progress made thus far paints a promising picture. As our understanding deepens, we can expect that the perceived lines between psychoactive substances, our brains, and the reality we perceive will become increasingly blurred, revealing further the intricate wonder that is the human mind.
Sources:
Schmidt et al., 2018 Schmidt et al., 2018
Tagliazucchi et al., 2014 Tagliazucchi et al., 2014
Petanjek et al., 2012 Petanjek et al., 2012
MacLean et al., 2011 MacLean et al., 2011
Prochazkova et al., 2018 Prochazkova et al., 2018
Davis et al., 2020 Davis et al., 2020
